FAQ

Q. How much do you
charge?
A. My fee
is based on the number of forms and schedules needed and the
amount of time involved in the preparation of your return. If
you call me, I can get a feel for how complicated your work is
and provide you with an estimated fee. My fees are less than
typical CPA firms and may be more than the "fast food" chain of
commercial tax preparers. I believe we offer the best
professional value in town.

Q.
How quickly
can I receive my tax refund?
A. Within 2-3 weeks, if
you use direct deposit service. Your refund will be deposited
directly into your bank account within 2-3 weeks, at no
additional charge.

Q.
What if I
have a tax question during the tax
year?
A. As a
regular tax preparation client you may contact me as often as
necessary during the year for tax planning advice. There is
no charge for brief telephone, fax or email questions or
advice. For more detailed consultations, which require
specific research, worksheets or written opinions I will, at
my discretion, charge at an hourly rate of $75.00.

Q.
What do I do
if I haven't received my refund?
A. The
Internal Revenue Service has a toll free number to handle
your refund inquiries. It is 1-800-829-4477. Please have your
social security number, your filing status, and the whole
dollar amount of your refund handy. Also, please allow from 4
to 6 weeks before calling. NYS REFUND, call 1-800-321-3213
for direct deposit service,1-800-443-3200 for all
others.

Q.
I cannot pay
my tax bill this year? What can I
do?
A. The
Internal Revenue Service provides for individuals, who cannot
pay their bill in full, to pay in installments, for up to
five years .Contact IRS on 1-800-829-1040 and negotiate with
them payment plan that fits your budget.

Q.
How long do
I keep my tax records?
A. The
Internal Revenue Service suggests 3 years from the due date
of your last return. However, we suggest that you discard
receipts, bills and credit card statements after 3 years.
However, your tax returns, W-2s, 1099s from banks and mutual
funds or brokerage firms or any contract for an asset you
still own should be made a part of a permanent file.

Q.
What if I
get a letter from the IRS?
A. If
you receive a letter relating to a federal or state tax
return I have prepared, send it directly to me immediately
and I will respond accordingly. I do not charge for
responding to tax notices when the return was correct as
originally filed, or if I made an error. If I have to prepare
additional forms or schedules or an amended return, I may
have to charge an additional fee.

Q.
What do you
need to prepare my tax return?
A. I
will gladly send you, via email, fax or postal mail, a list
of the specific information I will need to properly prepare
your tax return. Email your request to harmonymaa@aol.com

Q.
How can you
save me money?
A. We
have 11 years of experience to draw from in tax planning and
business advice. We explain various tax-saving ideas in plain
language and let you choose which ideas you would like to
implement to save you money. Most of our clients save much
more than the cost of preparing their tax returns.

Q.
When I sell
my personal residence, how long do I have before I must buy a
replacement home?
A. To
avoid paying capital gain taxes, you no longer have to buy a
replacement home when you sell your personal residence. In
1997 congress passed new laws concerning the sale of personal
residences. If you have lived in your home for 24 of the last
60 months when you sell it, you do not pay any tax on up to
$250,000 of gain ($500,000 if you are married filing
jointly), even if you do not buy another home. Also, you are
now allowed to do this every two years and there are no age
limitations.

Q. How
do I gain access to the "Client" portion of the web
site?
A. Click the "log-in"
link at the top right. Enter your log-in name and password
provided to you by Harmony and Co. You are now in the
client's area of the web site. From here you can submit
information to us using your on-line TAX ORGANIZER or view
documents and files (like prior year tax returns)Harmony and
Co. has set up for you, in the "Cyber Cabinet." Click on
either button and follow the easy instructions.